There’s little doubts at this point there are legit medical uses for various compounds found in Cannabis – some of which are only now being examined in depth via ongoing research. Current legal control status in the US and stigma have prevented most medical researchers from touching it, but that appears to be changing finally. Various states in the US allow for medical cannabis (MC) use and the number of states allowing MC growing rapidly. Each state has it’s own approach and laws and list of ailments (see below) medical cannabis is approved for ranges state to state.
The endocannabinoid system for example is a fast emerging area of research. Several compounds found in cannabis (Phytocannabinoids) directly impact this system. The best known of course is Delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), the most psychoactive of them. Others however appear to have direct effects and benefits, and having no psychoactive effects, such as cannabidiol (CBD) and cannabinol (CBN) which appear to have anti inflammatory and possible anti cancer effects. Various pharma companies are looking into compounds that target receptors in Endocannabinoid System and is an emerging target of Pharmacotherapy for a wide range of human diseases.
Marijuana and some individual compounds found in Marijuana, are being looked at for PTSD and several recent studies suggest benefit and various states have approved medical Marijuana for PTSD, and others, but check with your state for specifics.
Note: It should be noted that in some, Marijuana use can make PTSD worse, so not to be undertaken without supervision if diagnosed with PTSD.
A review of the Endocannabinoid system HERE
Various studies of interest HERE
I also highly recommend people take the time to view this vid series from AWE. These are anecdotal discussions with users and med/sci types, but more than compelling enough that we need to move forward with additional research and less agenda and bias and separate the topic from those who just want to get stoned from those with legit medical need:
Marijuana, Miracle Cure?
As mentioned above, recent changes in legal status in individual states has lead to an increase in interest and use of MC. For example, these are the ailments Qualify For Medical Marijuana in Florida:
“Patients in Florida diagnosed with one of the following ‘debilitating medical conditions’, are afforded legal protection under the Florida Medical Marijuana Legalization Initiative, as per Amendment 2:”
Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS/Lou Gehrig’s disease)
Anxiety
Anorexia
Arthritis
Back Pain
Cachexia
Cancer
Chronic Pain/Severe Pain
Crohn’s disease
Cyclical Vomiting Syndrome
Diabetes
epilepsy
glaucoma
Hepatitis C
HIV/AIDS
Irritable Bowel Syndrome
Lyme Disease
Migraines
Multiple sclerosis
Muscular Dystrophy
Muscle Spasms/Chronic Muscle Spasms
Parkinson’s disease
post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
Seizures
Severe Nausea
Sickle Cell Anemia
Spasticity
* Or any other ailment/condition of the same severity/symptoms, when determined by a physician’s opinion that the medical use of marijuana would surpass any potential health risks
a terminal condition/terminal illness
I mention Florida specifically because Dr. Michael Bedecs, DO – who I have affiliations with – offers medical marijuana certifications at the Age Management Center (AMC) in Jupiter, Florida. Medical Marijuana has been approved for a variety of conditions per above in Florida. Florida’s law is evolving rapidly, please contact Kristen at AMC HERE to see if you qualify for the use of medical marijuana in Florida.
If you’re not in Florida, check with your state for MC status and if you quality.
Will Brink is the owner of the Brinkzone Blog. Will has over 30 years experience as a respected author, columnist and consultant, to the supplement, fitness, bodybuilding, and weight loss industry and has been extensively published. Will graduated from Harvard University with a concentration in the natural sciences, and is a consultant to major supplement, dairy, and pharmaceutical companies.
His often ground breaking articles can be found in publications such as Lets Live, Muscle Media 2000, MuscleMag International, The Life Extension Magazine, Muscle n Fitness, Inside Karate, Exercise For Men Only, Body International, Power, Oxygen, Penthouse, Women’s World and The Townsend Letter For Doctors.
He’s also been published in peer reviewed journals.
Will is the author of the popular e-books, both accompanied by private members forum access , Bodybuilding Revealed & Fat Loss Revealed.
You can also buy Will’s other books on Amazon, Apple iBook, and Barnes and Noble.
